climate change

1. Compassionate and loving God,you created the world for us all to share,a world of beauty and plenty.Create in us a desire to live simply,so that our lives may reflect your generosity.

2. Creator God,You gave us responsibility for the earth,a world of riches and delight.Create in us a desire to live sustainably,So that those who follow after usMay enjoy the fruits of your creation.

3. God of peace and justice,you give us the capacity to change,to bring about a world that mirrors your wisdom.Create in us a desire to act in solidarity,so that the pillars of injustice crumbleand those now crushed are set free.

Live Simply

This is inspiration from you and fellow parishioners:-

Handy for notes: Use promotional flyers that have nothing on the reverse side or the backs of used envelopes for notes. Cut down to a handy size these are ideal for ‘phone messages, shopping lists, “to do” reminders.Also, used envelopes opened carefully can often be re-used with a sticky label.

Rag bag: Not all clothing can be resold by charity shops but the shops are able to recycle material. So items bundled into a “rag bag” for the shops can be sent to be “deconstructed” with the recovered materials being used to make new products. Nothing need go to landfill!

Oh knickers!: The time may have come for those old knickers to give way to new pairs but much of the material could be cut up and used as cleaning cloths.

Live sustainably

Coffee cups:Momentum is gathering behind a campaign busting the myth that disposable coffee cups are being recycled. UK consumers buy some 2.5 billion takeaway coffees annually. At present fewer than 1 in 400 of the disposable cups is recycled. The rest go to landfill. Change.org has attracted 90,000 signatures for its campaign to introduce a 5p charge on disposable coffee cups, encouraging people instead to takereusable cups to their favoured coffee outlets.

No sting in the tail: Campaign groups are reporting that Environment Secretary, Michael Gove MP, has announced that the UK will back a permanent ban on bee-killing pesticides. At the same time, nine out of 10 of UK garden centres say they will not sell bee-harming neonicotinoid pesticides, helping to ensure our gardens are safe havens for precious bees.

In Solidarity

Hard to have missed the fact that we have a new International Development Secretary in Penny Mordaunt MP but perhaps easier to be unaware of the significant pressure she will be coming under from some quarters to end UK Overseas Aid, channelling the funds instead to UK public services. As Global Citizen points out food waste in the UK costs far more than the entire overseas aid budget. As the world’s 5th largest economy the UK can afford investment both at home and abroad. Global Citizen and Save the Children are among those organisations urging Ms Mordaunt to keep faith with the UK’s existing overseas aid commitment.

Compassionate and loving God,you created the world for us all to share,a world of beauty and plenty.Create in us a desire to live simply,so that our lives may reflect your generosity.

Creator God,You gave us responsibility for the earth,a world of riches and delight.Create in us a desire to live sustainably,So that those who follow after usMay enjoy the fruits of your creation.

God of peace and justice,you give us the capacity to change,to bring about a world that mirrors your wisdom.Create in us a desire to act in solidarity,so that the pillars of injustice crumbleand those now crushed are set free.

Live Simply

‘Tis the season for the wardrobe changeover from summer to autumn/winter wear and a time when some might consider a little wardrobe declutter. Charities can re-use or recycle almost any textile and we’re getting better as a nationabout recycling clothing. Nevertheless 300,000 tonnes of clothing ends up in household rubbish annually.

According to the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) over half of the clothing donated to charity is exported for reuse in other countries, with the UK being the third biggest exporter of used textiles after Germany and the USA. Of the rest, 35% is reused in the UK via charity shops and 9% goes for recycling.So, don’t bin unwanted clothes, recycle them via charity shops, dedicated containers at tips or supermarkets or in one of those charity collection bags that pops through your letterbox from time to time.

Live sustainably

Plastic bottles continue to make the news. Public campaigns, either directly targeted at Coca Cola, one of the biggest users of plastic bottles, or more generally at governments, to acknowledge the damage done by discarded plastic are gaining traction. The Scottish Government has now committed to a plastic bottle deposit scheme to encourage consumers to return bottles to retailers so that they can be recycled.

In September, Surfers Against Sewage announced that they had secured 270,000 signatures for their petition urging the UK Government to follow the Scottish lead. As a parish we’re pretty good about recycling plastic but the amount of discarded plastic littering our streets suggests others aren’t, so spread the word and encourage others to follow your lead.

In Solidarity

The Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) supported by War on Want, Campaign Against the Arms Trade (CAAT) and Quakers, have been successful in challenging a new regulation blocking local councils from applying ethical boycotts to their investment decisions.The Government introduced a regulation in November 2016 restricting such boycotts. Now, following a Judicial Review pursued by the PSC, the High Court has ruled that the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government acted unlawfully in issuing guidance to restrict local councils from pursuing boycotts, divestments and sanctions (BDS) against Israel through their pension schemes.

Compassionate and loving God,you created the world for us all to share,a world of beauty and plenty.Create in us a desire to live simply,so that our lives may reflect your generosity.

Creator God,You gave us responsibility for the earth,a world of riches and delight.Create in us a desire to live sustainably,So that those who follow after usMay enjoy the fruits of your creation.

God of peace and justice,you give us the capacity to change,to bring about a world that mirrors your wisdom.Create in us a desire to act in solidarity,so that the pillars of injustice crumbleand those now crushed are set free.

Live SimplyFood waste/foodbank: In the run-up to Easter several parishioners made Live Simply Pledges. Among the most popular were pledges to reduce food waste / shop wisely by eating food in the freezer before buying more/not over-buying/ shopping with a list. In this country it is estimated that 60% of the 10 million tonnes of food wasted annually could have been avoided. It’s a scandal and few if any of us is guilt free. Think as you shop!http://www.wrap.org.uk/sites/files/wrap/Estimates_%20in_the_UK_Jan17.pdf

At the same time, demands on Rugby foodbank remain high. Non-perishable staple foods are always in demand in addition to other household items. To see what is most needed at any time, visit the foodbank website. Donations can be left in the collection box in the Narthex at church. As one supermarket would say “Every Little Counts”. https://rugby.foodbank.org.uk/

Leftover Tips: Why not share your tips for using leftovers on the LiveSimply Board in the Entrance lobby. We’ll share the best in future LiveSimply Tips bulletins.

Live sustainablySaving energy and money: LED light bulbs are considered to be more environmentally-friendly, energy efficient and long lasting than other light bulbs. So, when your light bulbs at home next need changing or as part of a planned exercise to change your current lighting, explore a switch to LED. There’s a choice of light from “soft white” to a more bright white. http://www.cartridgepeople.com promise to offer the most cost effective LED bulbs. It is also worth checking out stores such as Home Bargains in Rugby and your usual supermarket, where LED bulbs may also be available. As a parish, Sacred Heart is committed to looking at LED options as and when light bulbs need changing in the church or church hall.

In SolidarityCAFOD: Sacred Heart Parish has a proud record of support for CAFOD, with many parishioners committed to making regular donations via direct debit and others making weekly donations via envelopes placed in weekend Mass collections. We can happily source additional envelopes for new donors or for existing donors if they have run short. CAFOD also raises funds via its Trash for Cash initiative where donations of unwanted jewellery, foreign currency etc can benefit the poor. https://cafod.org.uk/Fundraise/Trash-for-cash

Compassionate and loving God,you created the world for us all to share,a world of beauty and plenty.Create in us a desire to live simply,so that our lives may reflect your generosity.

Creator God,You gave us responsibility for the earth,a world of riches and delight.Create in us a desire to live sustainably,So that those who follow after usMay enjoy the fruits of your creation.

God of peace and justice,you give us the capacity to change,to bring about a world that mirrors your wisdom.Create in us a desire to act in solidarity,so that the pillars of injustice crumbleand those now crushed are set free.

Live Simply

Summer is the perfect time for living simply – no need for tumble dryers when you can hang your washing out and let the sun take care of things for you; cut down on cooking – there’s an extensive range of recipes for sumptuous salads to keep meal times interesting. If you don’t grow your own produce, make friends with someone who does – fresh from garden or allotment is best – or choose what’s in season when shopping.

Live sustainably

Almost 70% of Catholic dioceses in England & Wales (16 out of 23) are now part of a renewable energy scheme sourcing electricity from “green” suppliers – Birmingham diocese among them. Sacred Heart and English Martyrs parishes are among the 3,200 parishes embraced by the scheme which is being delivered by Interdiocesan Fuel Management Ltd in alliance with Churchmarketplace.

CAFOD Power To Becampaign – if you haven’t done so already, please complete one of the Power To Be cards urging the World Bank to invest more in renewable energy schemes in Africa that would transform lives for the better at a stroke.

In Solidarity

Fairtrade – many may already be aware of the widespread concern at a move by Sainsbury’s, hitherto a pacesetter for Fairtrade, to pilot a scheme to drop the Fairtrade mark in preference for its own “fairly-traded” wording on produce. CAFOD is among organisations voicing concern arguing that such a move could undermine Fairtrade, opening the door to different standards by different companies, consumer confusion and, ultimately, a poorer deal for producers. As at early July 80,000 has signed a petition urging Sainsbury’s to stick with Fairtrade. The online petition can be found here

Rugby MP Mark Pawsey will answer your questions on climate change and poverty on Friday July 7th.
The meeting takes place at 7.30pm at Sacred Heart Church Hall, Lime Tree Avenue, Bilton. Similar meetings are being held across the country this week.
This will be our fourth meeting with our MP: as a result he has become better informed on Climate Change.
All are welcome and can send questions on this theme in advance to bkdavies4@virginmedia.com

These are the daily services this week:Monday June 26th – Mass at 7pm
Tuesday June 27th – No Mass
Wednesday June 28th – Mass at 7pm (Vigil of the Feast of Sts Peter and Paul)
Thursday June 29th – Mass at 7pm (Feast of Sts Peter and Paul)
Friday June 30th – Funeral Mass at 1pm for Nora Roche
Saturday July 1st – Mass for the 13th Sunday of Ordinary Time at 5pm
Sunday July 2nd – Mass for the 13th Sunday of Ordinary Time at 9.30amParish diary for this weekMonday June 26th – Monday Club meets, 2pm in the hall. All welcome.
Wednesday June 28th – UCM Day of Reflection, Monks Kirby convent, 10am.Friday June 30th. Funeral Mass for Nora Roche. Sacred Heart Church at 1pm.
July 1st – 2nd – Celebrate Catholic Charismatic Family Conference, St Mary’s College, Oscott.
Forthcoming eventsTuesday July 4th – Come Dine with the Catenians, Drayton Manor Hotel, Dunchurch. Speaker Pam Hopkins. More information from Mick McNulty.
Wednesday July 5th – Funeral Mass for James Pickering at 11am. Reception into the church on Tuesday at 6pm.
Friday July 7th – Meeting with MP Mark Pawsey to discuss climate change and poverty. Sacred Heart Church Hall, 7.30pm. Send questions in advance to Brian Davies.
Sunday July 16th – Garden Party in aid of Rob’s Fund at 70 Lime Tree Avenue, Bilton. 2pm.

1. Compassionate and loving God,you created the world for us all to share,a world of beauty and plenty.Create in us a desire to live simply,so that our lives may reflect your generosity.

2. Creator God,You gave us responsibility for the earth,a world of riches and delight.Create in us a desire to live sustainably,So that those who follow after usMay enjoy the fruits of your creation.

3. God of peace and justice,you give us the capacity to change,to bring about a world that mirrors your wisdom.Create in us a desire to act in solidarity,so that the pillars of injustice crumbleand those now crushed are set free.

Livesimply

Lidl in partnership with the Neighbourly project.

Food wasteOur supermarkets continue to struggle with the challenge of cutting the amount of food that goes to waste daily. Several have schemes with local charities and food banks to ensure that perfectly edible food goes to those who need it rather than to the tip. For example, Lidl has committed to rolling out its collaboration with social enterprise project Neighbourly across the country by 2018. Neighbourly has also worked with M&S. Do you know what your favoured supermarket’s policy is? Ask, encourage, congratulate them and/or lobby for them to do more.

Leftover TipsWe can all probably do more to manage our food use better. For example, if you only eat the florets of cauliflower or broccoli think about how you might use the stems – roasted with oil, salt and cumin, or raw, finely sliced into salads. Cabbages and kale can be shredded, tossed in oil and baked until they are like crispy seaweed. Why not share your Leftover Tips on the LiveSimply Board in the Entrance lobby. We’ll share the best in future LiveSimply Tips bulletins.

Live sustainably

Plastic BottlesCampaigns by Surfers Against Sewage, Greenpeace and others continue for the introduction of a bottle deposit scheme to limit plastic bottle waste. Greenpeace is urging major producers such as CocaCola, PepsiCo, Danone and others to take responsibility. Check out www.sas.org.uk/messageinabottle and www.greenpeace.org.uk

This popular yellow fruit could be a usefulindicator of the ethical credentials of your favourite grocer. A recent study by Ethical Consumer found a mix of Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance or Organic bananas in our supermarkets. For example, all of Sainsbury’s, the Co-op and Waitrose bananas are Fairtrade, whereas all of Tesco,Lidl, Aldi and Asda are Rainforest Alliance. (Source: Ethical Consumer May/June 2017) .To understand the impact of banana production on workers and the environment, check out www.storyofbanana.com It offers a list of actions consumers can take to help improve the banana industry.

The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any. – Alice Walker, author of The Color Purple.

Like this:

These are the daily services this week:Monday June 19th – Mass at 7pm
Tuesday June 20th – Liturgy of the Word and Holy Communion at 9.30am
Wednesday June 21st – Mass at 7pm (Feast of St Aloysius Gonzaga)
Thursday June 22nd – Mass at 9.30am (Feast of Sts John Fisher and Thomas More)
Friday June 23rd – Mass at 7pm (Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus)
Saturday June 24th – Mass for the 12th Sunday of Ordinary Time at 5pm
Sunday June 25th – Mass for the 12th Sunday of Ordinary Time at 9.30amParish diary for this weekMonday June 19th – Monday Club meets, 2pm in the hall. All welcome.
Friday June 23rd – Parish Feast Day Mass at 7pm followed by shared table.Forthcoming events
Wednesday June 28th – UCM Day of Reflection, Monks Kirby convent, 10am.Friday June 30th. Funeral Mass for Nora Roche. Sacred Heart Church at 1pm.
July 1st – 2nd – Celebrate Catholic Charismatic Family Conference, St Mary’s College, Oscott.
Friday July 7th – Meeting with MP Mark Pawsey to discuss climate change and poverty. Sacred Heart Church Hall, 7.30pm. Send questions in advance to Brian Davies.

Living Eucharist

We pray, almighty God, that we may always be counted among the members of Christ, in whose Body and Blood we have communion. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Prayer after Communion for the 5th Sunday of Lent As we begin the last week before Holy Week we are invited to know our […]

See, the days are coming – it is the Lord who speaks – when I will make a new covenant with the House of Israel (and the House of Judah), but not a covenant like the one I made with their ancestors on the day I took them by the hand to bring them out of the […]